Category: Daily Monitor

Observers yesterday cautioned that the bid to unseat the Leader of Opposition in Parliament would run into legal headwinds, even as members of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) remained upbeat, insisting they would find a way through the legal thicket.

The Buyaga West MP (NRM), Mr Dennis Namara, yesterday set the ball rolling on a bid to oust the LoP, only days after the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and head of the PLU, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, warned the current office holder, Mr Joel Ssenyonyi, that ‘he would lose his seat very soon.’

Political experts and constitutional lawyers have separately slammed the move as ill conceived and in bad faith, a poisoned chalice aimed at weakening the Opposition.

Mr Peter Walubiri, a constitutional lawyer, said: ‘The country is already suffering from the worsening rule of law and the only hope we had was strong Opposition which they want to weaken by choosing the Leader of Opposition.

As a country we are doomed… .’ Dr Juma Kakuba Sultan, a lecturer of Political Science at Kyambogo University, wondered why it is the NRM spearheading a Bill that directly concerns the Opposition.

‘Ordinarily complaints would have come from the Opposition but what we are seeing is the Opposition being weakened because the NRM will have an influence on the person who shall become the Leader of Opposition and this weaken democracy. There is no good intention in this entire Bill because after weakening the Opposition, nothing good will come from that House,’ he said.

As Mr Namara formally notified the Clerk to Parliament of his intention to seek leave to introduce a Private Member’s Bill amending the Administration of Parliament Act, a move aimed at rewriting the rulebook on how the LoP is chosen, the Speaker of Parliament, Mr Jacob Oboth Oboth, was presiding over the handover of PLU General Secretary position.

Tingey County MP Fadil Twalla (NRM) took the reins of the PLU office from Daudi Kabanda, the Kasambya County representative (NRM). What began as a war of words on the X-platform between Gen Muhoozi and Mr Ssenyonyi has now snowballed into a looming amendment that could upend the long-standing tradition of selecting the LoP.

At present, the Opposition party with the largest parliamentary caucus nominates the LoP, and the Speaker merely informs the House.

In his June 24 Notice of Motion to the Speaker, copied to deputy Speaker and the Clerk to Parliament, Mr Namara said: ‘In accordance with Rule 58 of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament, I hereby give notice of my intention to move a motion for leave of the House to introduce a Private Member’s Bill entitled ‘The Administration of Parliament (Amendment) Bill, 2026.”

The Clerk to Parliament, Mr Adolf Mwesige, confirmed receipt of the Notice, saying he had already passed it on to the Speaker for ‘further management.’

‘I have forwarded it to the Speaker who has the powers to put it on the Parliament Order Paper for further management,’ he explained.

Last week, Gen Muhoozi authorised Mr Kabanda to spearhead efforts to unseat Mr Ssenyonyi, insisting that a PLU-affiliated member should take up the mantle.

The NRM commands a lion’s share of the 12th Parliament, with 372 members. The leading Opposition, National Unity Platform (NUP), to which Mr Ssenyonyi belongs, holds 49 seats.

Uganda Peoples Congress has 12, Forum for Democratic Change has 9, Democratic Party has 6, People’s Front for Freedom (2), and Alliance for National Transformation has 1. Of the 68 Independents, 42 are known to lean toward the NRM, cementing its dominance.

Any Bill requires the support of at least three-quarters of the House at its second reading to pass. Mr Namara and his colleagues are reviving a Bill that had once been laid to rest, after suffering a natural death in the previous Parliament when Mityana South MP David Lumu attempted to introduce it.

Like Mr Namara, Mr Lumu was on August 29, 2024, granted leave by Parliament to table the Administration of Parliament (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which sought to change the mode of selecting the LoP and other positions reserved for the Opposition in Parliament.

He later tabled the Bill to amend the Administration of Parliament Act, Cap 272, which provides for the election of the LoP by the Opposition party with the greatest numerical strength in Parliament.

But when the Bill came under committee scrutiny, several political parties – including FDC, UPC, and ANT – rejected its proposals, arguing it was brought ‘in bad faith,’ and would undermine multiparty democracy, and sought to weaken the Opposition. On March 12 this year, Parliament withdrew the Bill following widespread objection.

Moments after Mr Ssenyonyi addressed reporters at Parliament last week – condemning the arrest and detention of former Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, Gen Muhoozi took to X, vowing to oust Ssenyonyi and ensure that ‘their’ candidate takes over.

‘I want a new Leader of the Opposition in Parliament. And I will get him. He will be endorsed by me,’ Gen Muhoozi posted on X, later announcing that he had instructed PLU MPs to study how Ssenyonyi could be removed ‘as soon as possible.’

Mr Kabanda promptly responded, assuring the PLU chairman that ‘two weeks are enough.’

Mr Namara told reporters at Parliament yesterday that the proposals he intends to table would benefit all Opposition parties, including NUP. ‘The current law has a lacuna, because the Parliament, the people who elected him, the Opposition members of Parliament who selected this particular Leader of Opposition cannot remove that member from being a Leader of Opposition,’ he said.

He added: ‘What happens? They provide only four grounds that if he is withdrawn by the political party which sponsored him or number two, if he ceases to be a member of Parliament or if that political party which he represents no longer has membership in Parliament. But is that one enough? The President of Uganda, under the Constitution can be removed by Parliament. You are aware that the Speaker of Parliament, his deputy, Cabinet ministers, and even members of Parliament can be removed. What about the Leader of Opposition? Who is at the level? Because the law provides that he is at the level of Cabinet.’

Article 82A of the Constitution, introduced by the Constitution (Amendment) Act, 2005, formally establishes the Office of the Leader of the Opposition. Its operational framework is provided under the Administration of Parliament (Amendment) Act, 2006, which vests the power to appoint the LoP in the Opposition party with the largest numerical strength in Parliament.

The Speaker’s role is limited to formally announcing that party’s nominee to the House.

Mr Ssenyonyi, the Nakawa West MP, was retained as LoP after serving in the same position during the latter half of the previous Parliament.

Ugandan sugar manufacturers have protested over a new Excise Duty that the Kenyan government plans to implement starting July 1. This change will see the tax on imported sugar rise significantly, from Kshs7,500 ($60 or Shs21,400) per ton to Kshs40,000 ($308 or Shs1.1 million) per ton.

The manufacturers have informed the First Deputy Prime Minister and East African Affairs Minister, Ms Rebecca Kadaga, that the new levy contained in the Finance Bill, 2026, passed by the Kenyan Parliament and awaiting the President’s signature to become law, poses a high threat to Uganda’s sugar industry.

In the June 20 letter seen by this Newspaper, the disgruntled manufacturers under the umbrella of the Uganda Sugar Manufacturers Association (USMA) implored Ms Rebecca Kadaga, the East African Affairs Minister, to immediately intervene and save the development that will deprive them of the current Kenyan market that consumes up to 100,000 tons per year.

The letter copied to Minister of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives (MoTIC), and his Finance, Planning, and Economic Development counterparts, the USMA members led by their Chairperson Jim Mwine Kabeho, said: ‘Prior to this effective 1 July 2023, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) imposed an excise duty of KShs 5,000 per ton (approximately USD 38.5 per ton). Subsequently, this duty was increased to KShs 7,500 per ton (approximately USD 60 per ton).’

When contacted, officials from the Trade Ministry confirmed the development, which they said Ugandan authorities have started an engagement with their Kenyan counterparts.

The Ministry’s Commissioner in charge of trade, technology, and innovations, Mr Dennis Ainebyoona, said that the Trade State Minister Gen Wilson Mbasu Mbadi has already escalated the matter to the Kenyan authorities, waiting for the responses.

Kenyan President William Ruto told reporters at State House on June 23 that the excise duty increment from Kshs7.5 to Kshs40 on a kilogram of sugar is aimed at safeguarding 17 operational sugar industries and the livelihood of two million farmers and 10 million Kenyans whose livelihood depends on sugar.

Impact

Mr Kabeho said that the proposed increment, once implemented, will have a severe implication on Uganda sugar, including reducing competitiveness of Ugandan sugar in the Kenyan market, and restriction of market access contrary to the spirit of regional integration under the East African Community (EAC.

The increment, he added, will also lead to loss of export opportunities for Ugandan sugar manufacturers, reduce foreign exchange earnings and investment returns within Uganda’s sugar sector, and as well have a potential disruption of the livelihoods of thousands of sugarcane farmers and workers who depend on the sugar sector.

‘This is more than a double increase in taxation. Kenya is now using tax to block our sugar from entering their country because it is going to be so expensive for Kenyans to buy Ugandan sugar,’ he told the Monitor in a telephone interview yesterday.

Mr Ashish Monpara, the chairman of the Modern Group of industries and a member of the Sugar Council, said that the tax increment will have a direct impact on the consumers, which will affect the manufacturers and the entire sector since the demand will go down.

‘Higher prices are likely to reduce consumer demand, impact sales volumes, increase working capital requirements, and place additional pressure on an industry that already faces rising production costs,’ he said

He added, ‘We are closely studying Kenya’s new tax measures. If the increased duty is targeted at imports from outside the region, it could strengthen the competitiveness of Ugandan sugar in the Kenyan market. However, if it applies to Ugandan exports as well, it would reduce our competitiveness and affect regional trade. We hope all EAC member states continue to support free regional trade while protecting their industries in a balanced manner.’

Although he was not privy to the letter, Jim Mugunga, the Finance Ministry spokesperson, is aware that under the East African Community, there are agreements that have been reached that are intended to enable open trade and minimize protectionism.

‘…that matter can be handled by the Ministry of Trade and the Ministry of East African Community Affairs through the existing protocols to resolve the matter.’

Efforts to get a comment from the Ministry of East African Community Affairs were futile as the Minister’s phone was off since she is said to be in Arusha, Tanzania, and that of the ministry spokesperson

In August last year, Ugandan officials led by Gen Mbadi and their Kenyan counterparts, led by Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade, and Industry Lee Kinyanjui, agreed to eliminate all existing tariff and non-tariff barriers hindering cross-border trade between the two countries.

During the August 29-30, 2025, meeting, the ministers directed that all products originating between Kenya and Uganda to be treated as transfers and not imports, committing to fully implement all trade-related commitments under the EAC treaty and protocols.

Mr Kabeho said that this development appears to be reversing the gains leading to reduced competitiveness of Ugandan sugar in the Kenyan market, restricted market access, loss of export opportunities, reduced foreign exchange, and potential disruption of the livelihoods of thousands of Ugandan sugar farmers.

Starting in 2011, when Uganda was allowed to import duty-free sugar to address the shortage that it was experiencing, Kenya and Uganda have been involved in a sugar war, with Kenya accusing Uganda of importing more of the duty-free sugar, repackaging it as Ugandan-manufactured sugar, and dumping it in Kenya under the cover of the East African community free movement of goods and services protocol.

In 2014, Kenya blocked Uganda’s sugar from entering its territory before other products, such as eggs, maize, and milk, followed suit.

‘We wish to note that the previous increases in excise duty on imported sugar have been raised on several occasions, including during the 46th and 47th Sectoral Council on Trade, Industry, Finance and Investment meetings under the East African Community framework held in Arusha plus the 25th Ordinary Summit of the East African Community Head of State on 7th March 2026 Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania where it was agreed that all outstanding non-tariff and tariff barriers to trade be resolved within the community by 30th June 2026. Despite these resolutions, the matter remains unresolved and continues to escalate,’ he said.

Mr Monpara, who is popularly known as the King of Ugandan sugar, said that sugar is a basic household commodity consumed by millions of people every day, and that explains why many countries either do not impose excise duty on it or keep such taxes relatively low because it is considered an essential food item.

‘A significantly higher excise duty risks increasing the cost of living for consumers while reducing the competitiveness of the domestic sugar industry. We therefore hope there will be continued dialogue between the Government and industry to ensure that revenue mobilisation is balanced with affordability for consumers, the competitiveness of local manufacturers, and the long-term sustainability of the sector,’ he said.

In Uganda, the sugar industry is one of the largest agro-industrial sectors, supporting hundreds of thousands of farmers, creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs, and contributing significantly to the economy.

‘As manufacturers, we remain committed to investing in Uganda, supporting farmers, creating employment, and contributing to the country’s economic growth. If the increased duty is applied to all imported sugar, including imports from Uganda, Ugandan sugar will become more expensive in Kenya,’ Mr Monpara said.

According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), a detailed global trade data analyser, Uganda remains among Kenya’s major export destinations with an increment of exports growing at 1.27 percent from $893M in 2019 to $951M in 2024. Uganda’s exports to Kenya, however, remain low from $399M in 2019 to $527M in 2024.

The few lines of your story seem reminiscent of a game between two lovers who have been together for five years. However, when one of these lovers writes to ask if everything is okay, what initially appeared playful starts to take on a toxic dimension, which may only worsen over time. Thus, something that began as a joke no longer feels light-hearted.

Your wife’s so-called tax could stem from controlling behaviour, and introducing a monetary aspect makes the situation feel transactional and punitive. The notion of being penalised for coming home ‘late’, even if the money is used for household supplies, understandably feels off.

Such issues in a relationship can persist as long as both partners accept them, but it is not surprising that problems eventually arise. As mentioned above, this dynamic is rooted in punishment and may even reflect controlling tendencies, both of which can erode the warmth of your relationship. It could even take on characteristics of manipulation.

On one hand, it seems you are looking for a way to resolve something you initially accepted with minimal pushback.

However, let us consider the motivation behind this so-called tax, which is a recent development. Your coming home late appears to be the central issue; perhaps this has come up in the past and has persisted, prompting her to devise a clever way to draw more attention to it through financial means. It is possible you missed the point she was making when you offered to pay while still coming home later.

Regarding your late arrivals, why does she make an issue of it if, for instance, you are coming home from work or important engagements that are not daily occurrences? In my counselling experience, when coming home late triggers conflict, one partner typically feels it is unjustified, while the other remains adamant. In your case, could her behaviour stem from insecurity? By insecurity, I do not mean she fears physical harm, but rather that she may worry about your involvement with someone else.

The first step is to address the issue of your late arrivals and understand why it bothers her. Gaining clarity on this will help you determine whether her concerns relate to control or insecurity about something else. Hence, it is essential to have an insightful conversation with her.

Following that, you should discuss your discomfort with the whole taxing issue in relation to your late arrivals. However, to avoid potential conflict, it might be wise to first explore the underlying reasons for her concerns before bringing up the monetary aspect. Clarity will allow you to identify the actual issues at play. If she is controlling, you may notice other patterns, prompting the need to understand her behaviour and how she truly views you. Could she be treating you more like a child than a husband?

Is there more to this situation than you have shared? If so, professional counselling could be beneficial to prevent a relationship devoid of warmth five years down the line, especially if red flags were overlooked at the start.

In conclusion, being ‘taxed’ for coming home after 9:30pm might be just the tip of a hidden iceberg. It is crucial to take action before this dynamic develops into something more challenging to navigate.

Please contact us on sssetumba@ug.nationmedia.com

Reader advice

Love behind fees

Hainime. She is simply showing care in her own way. When a wife stops doing the things you consider annoying, that is when you should worry. Her frustration likely comes from your absence.

Fair but communicate

Harriet Sheryl. I really like this wife. The good thing is that she uses the money collected within the same home, which makes it feel like a practical and fair arrangement.

Home finance system

Brian Mugume. She is simply applying budgeting skills at home. Do you also have financial monitoring tools in your household? It looks like structured accountability has been introduced into family life.

Agreement needed

P-wang S Roy. It must be a two-way arrangement; otherwise the household may collapse. Both partners need to agree on the rules for the system to remain fair and sustainable.

Rules build stability

Judith Maleke. Discipline is very important in any family setup. Clear rules help maintain order, respect, and understanding between partners, especially in managing time and responsibilities at home.

Humour in discipline

Min Byakika. This new rule is quite interesting and creative. It brings humour into discipline and shows how couples can turn everyday challenges into light-hearted but meaningful agreements.

Talk to your wife

John Mukisa. My brother, that system is funny but dangerous. Today it is small fees, tomorrow it becomes control. Talk openly before it grows into unnecessary tension at home.

Explain your schedule

Aminah Namuli. If the money stays in the home, it seems harmless, but feelings matter more than money. Explain your schedule better and ensure both of you agree on any rules.

Marriage is not office

Rose Patricia. This looks like informal budgeting, but marriage is not an office. Rules must be discussed, not imposed. Convert that energy into agreed planning and shared household responsibilities.

Agree on simple rules

Deogratius Matove. In relationships, small habits become big systems. What starts as a joke can grow. Agree now on simple rules so your home stays peaceful and balanced.

Agree on routines

Dennis Kariuki. Your wife is trying to create structure, not control. But structure in marriage should be shared. Turn the ‘fee’ idea into agreed routines for communication and time management.

Yasin Waiswa knows exactly what it feels like to stand on this stage and leave with nothing. Last year, on this same stage, in the colours of Jinja Hippos, he was one kick away from shifting a final against the Stanbic Black Pirates.

But instead, the kick went wide, game slipped away, and the defending champions closed out a 44-23 win in extra time. Finals, in reality, compress seasons into moments and sometimes reduce careers into a single action that refuses to fade.

Waiswa remembers that moment vividly but without self-pity.

‘My memories of that day are honestly mostly happy ones, though we lost,’ he says. ‘It was such a great achievement and no one believed we would even be there, though we knew we would.’

But the lesson has stayed longer than the achievement.

‘My lesson is: don’t miss a penalty with three minutes to go,’ he smiles off.

Now, he returns to the same level but in a different screaming red and black stripes of Buffaloes with Waiswa sitting right at the centre with a heavier role.

Transformation

Buffaloes are not the same side that finished mid-table and fell in quarterfinals in 2024 and 2025. They have been rebuilt into a team that plays with control, speed and a far clearer sense of how to finish matches. They had become a team that could compete with anyone but struggled to close games when pressure tightened.

Coach Charles Onen puts it plainly.

‘We always fall short after a very impressive performance that does not give us a good finishing,’ he says. ‘We’ve all been coming and falling short in the last minutes of each game at the most important stage of the competition.’

That diagnosis shaped the rebuild.

The change is clear in output but more importantly in control. From 18 tries in 2024 to 55 in 2026, Buffaloes have become a far more decisive attacking side.

Defensively, they have tightened significantly, conceding just 24 tries across 15 matches, a sharp drop from previous seasons when they leaked points even in wins.

A major part of that shift has been pace. The integration of Sevens-developed players has given Buffaloes a different attacking rhythm, quicker carries, faster support lines and more instinctive decisions in broken play.

That has created space for new contributors to emerge like Daniel Otim and FatMoses Watmon have combined for 17 tries this season, accounting for more than 30 percent of Buffaloes’ total output, according to Isa Metrics data.

Alongside them, Aaron Tukei has grown into a consistent finisher progressing from just two tries in 2024 to seven in 2026, mirroring how Buffaloes’ have evolved gradually and increasingly effective under pressure.

Golden boot

But structure alone does not win knockout matches but control in key moments does and that is where Waiswa becomes central.

With 104 points this season, he is Buffaloes’ primary decision-maker in tight situations controling territory through his kicking, stabilises momentum when phases break down, and converts pressure into scoreboard advantage.

The playoff run has already tested that identity. The quarterfinal against Mongers was closer than expected, a 43-39 aggregate win that exposed moments of uncertainty. Earlier Buffaloes teams might have collapsed there but this version did not.

In the first leg semifinal at Makerere Graveyard, Buffaloes again found themselves in a familiar position with 8-6 down at halftime. In previous seasons, that might have been the beginning of a slide but they turned it to a platform.

Waiswa took control of the second half and scored 15 of Buffaloes’ 20 points through penalties, a conversion and a try.

‘I don’t put pressure on myself,’ he says. ‘I trust my preparation and try to play within the book.’

He downplays leadership, but the influence is unavoidable. Buffaloes now function around players like him and those who can turn pressure into structure rather than reaction.

Historically, one of the most familiar Suzuki models on Ugandan roads was the rugged Samurai, followed later by the boxy Grand Vitara in both single and double-door versions. While Suzuki has never been the most dominant brand in Uganda, the Japanese automaker has steadily evolved its lineup, introducing more refined and efficient models for modern motorists.

Among its latest additions is the hybrid Suzuki Across, a compact SUV that blends fuel efficiency, automation, and urban practicality. It arrives at a time when drivers are increasingly seeking smarter vehicles that reduce fuel costs while offering comfort and ease of driving.

Modern proportions

The Suzuki Across measures 4,360 millimetres in length and 1,795 millimetres in width, placing it firmly in the compact SUV category. It sits in a segment that increasingly appeals to urban drivers looking for a balance between size, efficiency, and versatility.

With its five-door configuration, the Across positions itself as an entry-level SUV in Suzuki’s lineup, comparable in concept to models such as the Toyota Corolla Cross and Toyota Urban Cruiser.

Recently, I test-drove the Across from the CFAO Suzuki showroom in the Industrial Area, Kampala, navigating a route that included Jinja Road, Nile Avenue, Katonga Road, Acacia Avenue, Kira Road, Kisaasi-Bukoto, Kulambiro, Najjeera, Kira Road again, Kasangati Road, Gayaza Road, the Northern Bypass, Bukoto, and back to the showroom.

The objective was to assess real-world performance, including stability at moderate speeds, ride comfort on uneven roads, fuel efficiency, and the behaviour of its hybrid system in Kampala’s stop-and-go traffic.

Ride height and road comfort

With a ground clearance of 210 millimetres, the Across is well suited for Kampala’s uneven road surfaces and occasional rough upcountry terrain. It handles bumps and minor road imperfections confidently, though it is not as cushioned as larger, more expensive SUVs.

Its suspension absorbs most urban road shocks adequately, but sharper potholes and broken tarmac still filter into the cabin more than one would experience in higher-end SUVs.

Performance

Under the hood, the Suzuki Across is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with a hybrid assist system. The result is a combined output that delivers smooth acceleration and responsive city driving.

The engine produces 136.8 Nm of torque, offering sufficient pulling power for overtaking and merging into traffic without strain. Acceleration from 0 to 100km/h is achieved in roughly eight seconds under normal driving conditions, aided by electric motor support in the hybrid system.

In real-world conditions, especially on faster-moving routes such as the Northern Bypass, the vehicle demonstrated stable cruising at moderate highway speeds.

However, like most compact SUVs, it is best driven within sensible limits for optimal stability and safety.

Fuel efficiency is one of its strongest selling points. On open-road conditions, the Across can achieve up to approximately 12.9km per litre, though this figure naturally reduces in heavy Kampala traffic where frequent braking and acceleration are required.

Inside, the Across features a modern, user-friendly cabin designed around practicality and ease of use.

The dashboard is dominated by two digital displays. Behind the steering wheel is a driver information cluster that provides speed, fuel levels, and vehicle alerts such as door status.

Centrally positioned is a 10.1-inch infotainment screen that supports Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, media functions, phone integration, climate controls, and vehicle settings.

Below the screen are neatly arranged physical controls for air conditioning and infotainment functions, designed in a piano-key layout for ease of use while driving.

The steering wheel also carries integrated controls for audio, phone calls, and system navigation, allowing the driver to remain focused on the road.

The interior is finished in a combination of soft-touch and leather-like materials, enhancing both comfort and durability.

The seats are supportive for urban commutes and longer drives, with an emphasis on easy maintenance in everyday use.

One notable convenience feature is the climate control system, which adjusts cabin cooling automatically in response to external temperatures before allowing manual adjustments.

Safety

Safety is a key focus in the Suzuki Across. The vehicle is equipped with multiple parking sensors: four at the front and four at the rear, assisting drivers in tight urban parking conditions.

A rear-view camera system provides dynamic guidelines on the infotainment screen to help with reversing accuracy. As the vehicle approaches obstacles, the system issues audible alerts to warn the driver.

Additional safety systems include multiple airbags, front, side, and curtain, designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision. The vehicle also features automatic door locking and electronic parking assistance functions depending on variant specifications, enhancing convenience and security during everyday use.

Given its hybrid configuration, caution is advised when driving through flooded areas. Exposure of the underbody electrical components can cause damage to the hybrid system, making it unsuitable for deep-water driving.

Exterior

The Suzuki Across carries a clean, modern SUV design with subtle styling cues that emphasise aerodynamics and urban sophistication rather than an aggressive off-road appearance. It is offered in a range of colours including black, silver metallic, pearl blue, red metallic, grey, pearl white, and pearl green, giving buyers a variety of aesthetic choices.

Cost

Mary Rugambwa, a sales executive at CFAO, says the Suzuki Across costs $31,500 (about Shs116m) after taxes and comes with a three-year warranty.

Verdict

The Suzuki Across is best understood as a practical urban SUV rather than a rugged off-roader. Its strengths lie in fuel efficiency, ease of driving, and modern interior technology.

While it does not aim to compete with larger SUVs in off-road comfort or high-speed stability, it delivers a balanced package for city users, small families, and motorists looking to transition into hybrid mobility without complexity.

The demolition of Mukono Xtreme Park (MXP) two weeks ago has left young skateboarders without a training base, ending years of activity at one of the district’s most visible grassroots action-sports venues.

The facility at Wantoni Stage in Mukono, at St Noah Mawaggali Primary School, had a BMX freestyle dirt ramp and a skateboarding section that attracted young riders from the town and surrounding areas. But the park was pulled down after a land dispute.

The owners reportedly demanded a substantial fee from the Uganda Skateboarding Federation, an amount far beyond the means of a group that survives on limited government support.

The association could not raise the money, leaving the park vulnerable as the ownership dispute unfolded.

Ramps reduced to rubble

For the young riders, the demolition was more than the loss of ramps and open space. MXP had become a daily meeting point, a training ground and a community hub where skateboarders could spend their time productively.

Uganda Skating Federation (USF) president Moses Ddungu said the federation had anticipated complications around the land but was now looking at the setback as an opportunity to establish a bigger and more secure facility.

‘It is fine for us that we relocated. Secondly, we have an opportunity to build a bigger park,’ Ddungu said.

He added that the federation was identifying suitable land for a replacement skateboarding park and that partners were ready to support the project.

‘We are now looking for suitable space. Our partners are ready to give us a hand to see the new project come to life,’ he said.

Young riders left waiting

For now, however, there is little immediate relief for the young people who used the Mukono park.

Gerald Gose, the brain behind Uganda Skateboard Society, who established the facility, said the closure would affect the riders who had built their routine around the venue.

‘The youths in the area will be affected for the duration until a new skatepark is secured. But we have nurtured them well and we hope they will still be disciplined to avoid any trouble in their life,’ Gose said.

Skateboarding has grown largely through community effort, with riders and volunteers creating spaces where formal sports infrastructure has been scarce.

The country now has established skateboarding facilities at Kiteezi and Kitintale, while smaller do-it-yourself spots and community-led projects continue to emerge in Kampala and other areas.

The Kiteezi Skatepark, located in the Kiteezi-Lusanja area outside Kampala, is Uganda’s first international-standard concrete skatepark. The 450-square-metre facility was built early this year with support from international volunteers and the local Climate Skaters community.

Kitintale’s hand-built concrete street park has also remained an important training ground for riders in Kampala.

‘We shall be patient until we have our work done,’ Ddungu said.

Fresh start

The federation’s next challenge is to secure land and funding for a facility that can replace MXP and give Mukono’s riders a permanent home.

Constructing an average-sized concrete skatepark of about 450 square metres can cost between Shs92m and Shs167m, depending on site preparation, materials, design and the use of local or imported specialist labour. This is without costs of land.

For the riders who watched their ramps come down, the hope is that the demolition will be the beginning of a stronger facility built on secure ground.

The recent collapse of a building under construction in Kisaasi, which claimed three lives, has once again placed Uganda’s construction industry under the spotlight. The tragedy has sparked debate among experts, with some questioning the quality of building materials used on construction sites, while others attribute the disaster to poor workmanship and failure to comply with approved building standards.

Shortly after the Kisaasi building collapse, another incident was reportedly recorded in Kira, where a building staircase also collapsed. However, the owners are said to have moved quickly to rectify the situation, allegedly to avoid intervention by authorities. Unlike the Kisaasi tragedy, the Kira incident did not result in any loss of life.

Experts warn that the rapid growth of the sector could create opportunities for the proliferation of substandard construction materials if regulatory oversight is not strengthened.

Against this backdrop, the government has tightened regulation of the construction sector through the implementation of building laws and the operationalisation of the National Building Review Board (NBRB). Gob Blick Obita, a council member of the Uganda National Association of Builders, Suppliers and Engineering Contractors (UNABSEC), emphasises the need for strict adherence to established standards and best practices. Beyond the debate over workmanship and engineering supervision lies another critical question: Do the building materials sold in Uganda’s hardware markets actually conform to the required standards?

From steel bars and cement to roofing sheets, electrical cables, paints and plumbing fittings, Uganda’s hardware stores are stocked with a wide range of locally manufactured and imported products. For many builders, contractors and individual homeowners, these outlets are the first stop in turning construction dreams into reality.

However, the abundance of products on the market has also raised concerns about quality assurance. While some materials bear certification marks from the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), experts warn that counterfeit and substandard products continue to find their way onto the market, posing serious risks to public safety.

The consequences of using substandard materials can be devastating. Structural weaknesses resulting from poor-quality steel, cement, aggregates or electrical installations may not be immediately visible, but they can significantly reduce a building’s lifespan and increase the likelihood of accidents, collapses, fires and costly repairs.

The dilemma

A walk through some of Kampala’s major hardware hubs reveals a highly competitive market where price often influences purchasing decisions. While genuine materials may cost slightly more, some consumers and contractors are tempted by cheaper alternatives, sometimes without verifying whether the products meet the required standards.

This raises a fundamental concern for regulators, manufacturers, suppliers and consumers alike: Is the current system robust enough to guarantee that every construction material reaching the market is safe and compliant with national standards?

Daniel Arorwa, the manager of Market Surveillance at UNBS, says some suppliers are taking advantage of unsuspecting consumers by flooding the market with counterfeit building materials. Arorwa notes that these substandard products lack the strength and durability of genuine materials, making them a major contributor to structural failures and building collapses. He explains that UNBS has established standards for a wide range of construction materials, including steel bars, cement, iron sheets and other essential building products, to ensure safety and quality in the construction sector.

“Consumers should only purchase building materials bearing the authentic Q-Mark. Any product without this mark may not have undergone the required quality assessment and could pose a serious risk to lives and property,” Arorwa warns.

Arorwa further advises Ugandans planning to construct houses to engage qualified civil engineers, noting that their expertise is vital in ensuring that genuine and standards-compliant building materials are procured and properly used during construction. He explains that professional engineers are better equipped to assess the quality of building products, supervise construction works and enforce compliance with approved building standards, thereby minimizing the risk of structural failures and building collapses.

Complacency

According to the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), approximately 58 percent of all goods on the local market are counterfeit, with structural failures being a primary cause of dangerous building collapses. Experts warn that unless all stakeholders act, counterfeits could erode construction standards and trigger structural failures.

However, Sylvia Kirabo, the Principal Public Relations Officer at UNBS, says consumer complacency is partly to blame for the continued presence of counterfeit building materials on the market.

“There are Ugandans who would rather buy products at cheaper prices and do not take the initiative to report suspicious products or traders to the relevant authorities,” Kirabo says.

She urges members of the public to play a more active role in the fight against counterfeit goods by providing information that could help authorities identify and apprehend individuals involved in the manufacture, importation and distribution of substandard building materials. Counterfeit and substandard building materials are a severe crisis in Uganda’s construction industry.

Ignorance about standards

Richard Laguna, a prospective homeowner in Natete, says he was unaware that every building material on the market is required to meet specific standards set by UNBS. Laguna says the information has opened his eyes to the importance of verifying the quality and certification of building products before making a purchase.

“I did not know that each building material has standards it is supposed to meet. This information is very important because many people like me often focus on price without considering whether the products comply with the required standards,” he says.

However, Steve Mukwaya, a private construction consultant, observes that some clients request Bills of Quantities (BOQs) detailing the projected cost of a building project and then opt to procure construction materials on their own. According to Mukwaya, this practice is contributing to the use of substandard building materials, as some clients prioritise cheaper products over quality. In a bid to cut costs, they often purchase materials that may not meet the required standards or possess the strength and durability necessary to support the intended structure.

“When clients take over procurement without adequate technical knowledge, they may end up buying cheaper materials that compromise the quality and safety of the building,” Mukwaya says.

Police in Kasangati, Wakiso District are holding a Pentecostal pastor of Christ Way Generation Ministries as investigations continue into a suspected human trafficking case following the rescue of 37 children allegedly lured from different parts of Uganda with promises of bursaries and scholarships.

The cleric was arrested after a police operation in Kabaga-Kayaanga Zone, Kiteezi Ward, Wakiso District.

According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SP Racheal Kawala, the operation was launched after residents reported suspicious activities at a rented building where the children were allegedly being housed.

‘Police intervened and rescued 37 children who are now in safe custody,’ SP Kawala said.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect allegedly recruited children from various districts across the country by promising educational sponsorship opportunities through his institution.

Police say the promised bursaries and scholarships were allegedly never provided, raising suspicions of exploitation and possible human trafficking.

The rescued children, aged between seven and 20 years, include learners ranging from Primary One to Senior Five. Of the victims, 23 are female and 14 are male.

Authorities said the children were recruited from several districts, including Luweero, Kamuli, Buyende, Kole, Apac, Jinja, Kikuube and Napak.

Investigators are now seeking to establish how the children were recruited, transported and accommodated at the facility, as well as whether additional suspects may have been involved.

The victims have been placed under protective care while efforts are underway to trace their families and facilitate reunification.

SP Kawala commended residents whose information led to the operation.

‘We commend members of the public for the timely information that led to this rescue. We continue to urge parents and guardians to be cautious when entrusting their children to individuals or organisations offering scholarships or educational opportunities,’ she said.

Police have opened investigations into suspected human trafficking and child exploitation, while the suspect remains in custody pending further inquiries.

The eighth circuit of the Pursuit Swim League concludes this week at British School of Kampala (BSK) Muyenga with Astros and Flames, who are a point apart, as favourites for the top slot.

Flames topped the first leg of this circuit on June 12 but Astros dethroned them last Friday to top the day and jump to nine points on the table.

This circuit is strictly for relays. Astros, who led the table on June 12, did not win any relay last Friday but finished second in the 5x25m butterfly and medley relays.

They also finished third in the 5x25m backstroke and freestyle relays but were disqualified in the breaststroke one.

Fortunately for them, four of the five teams got at least one disqualification so the standings were barely affected as they finished second on the night and kept top of standings with nine points.

Colts and Talons were disqualified in the same breaststroke relay while Jets and Talons were disqualified in the 5x25m fly relay.

Flames, which topped the night to move to eight overall points and second in the standings, had no disqualification and won the 5x25m fly, breaststroke, freestyle, and medley relays. They finished last in the 5x25m back relay.

Colts were second in the 5x25m back and third in the 5x25m fly relays. They also finished 4th in the medley relay and last in the freestyle one to finish third on the night and overall with six points.

Colts have a chance of topping the circuit but they need Flames and Astros to finish lower than third on the last day.

Jets are fourth now in standings after finishing second in the 5x25m breaststroke relay and fourth in the backstroke and freestyle ones. Jets finished last in the medley relay.

Talons, who are fifth on the table with four points were killed by the disqualifications but actually topped the backstroke relay, finished second in the freestyle one, and third in the medley relay. They are out of the race for top place as they cannot finish higher than Astros and Flames unless the two teams fail to turn up this Friday.

Conservationists have renewed urgent calls for stronger protection of Uganda’s endangered chimpanzees, warning that rampant habitat destruction, illegal wildlife trafficking, and increasing human encroachment continue to threaten the species’ survival.

The appeal was made at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary during an event highlighting the plight of the primates. The rescue and rehabilitation center currently provides a safe haven to 55 orphaned and rescued chimpanzees saved from poaching, deforestation, and human-wildlife conflict.

Officials at the sanctuary noted that despite years of rigorous conservation campaigns, chimpanzee populations remain highly vulnerable. The species is currently listed as “Endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

“Chimpanzees are one of the animals listed by IUCN as endangered. We therefore have to join efforts together as humans to ensure they do not become extinct. Human activities still highly threaten the survival of our wildlife, yet they serve purposes of tourism among others,” said Mr. Aaron Bataamye, the Sanctuary Manager.

Uganda is estimated to host between 3,500 and 5,000 Eastern chimpanzees in the wild. However, conservationists warn that continued forest degradation, agricultural expansion, and illegal poaching are putting immense pressure on these remaining populations.

Located about 23 kilometers southwest of Entebbe on Lake Victoria, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary was established in 1998 to care for chimpanzees rescued from the illegal wildlife trade and other threats. Over nearly three decades, the sanctuary has grown into one of Uganda’s premier eco-tourism and conservation sites, attracting approximately 25,000 visitors annually.

Mr Bataamye emphasized that managing the rescued primates is a costly venture. Caring for them requires significant resource mobilization, including funding for daily food, specialized veterinary services, habitat maintenance, and continuous security monitoring.

In a significant boost to the sanctuary’s operations, the Ruparelia Foundation has donated Shs50 million towards the care and protection of the chimpanzees at the island.

Speaking at the handover, businessman Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia stated that conservation requires a collective responsibility from individuals, corporate entities, and institutions to ensure future generations inherit a biodiverse country.

Mr. Ruparelia also used the occasion to honor the legacy of his late son, Rajiv Ruparelia, who passed away recently.

‘Rajiv understood the business and the success of society through creating opportunities and leaving something memorable behind. We are extending his generosity and responsibility into the future,’ Mr. Ruparelia said, adding that chimpanzees, like humans, are highly intelligent, emotional, and social beings that require safe habitats to thrive.

In memory of the late businessman, the sanctuary officially named its youngest resident-a male chimpanzee born on November 29, 2025-as “RR”.

The fight to protect Uganda’s wildlife comes amid a booming global black market. According to data from the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime, environmental crime has risen to become the third-largest criminal economy in the world, trailing only behind counterfeiting and drug trafficking.

The illicit trade generates between USD 110 billion and USD 281 billion annually, growing at a worrying rate of 5 to 7 percent each year. Conservationists argue that without stringent enforcement and stiffer penalties for traffickers, Uganda risks losing its vital wildlife heritage.